Alpaca History and US Alpaca Growth
Alpacas are a member of the Camelid family. The camelid family consist of Camels, Llamas, and Alpacas. Alpacas are the smallest of the camelid family; they are smart, inquisitive and easy to care for. They are efficient animals and require less room and less food than other livestock. Alpacas can be seen in two different breed types. The breed types are the Huacaya (wah-ki-ah) with the appearance of teddy bear like fleece and the Suri (soo-ree) with a silky drape like fleece with the appearance of draping locks.
It is believed that alpacas first appeared on earth over 30 million years ago and were domesticated more than 5000 years ago. They were found in the South American Andes (Peru, Bolivia and Chile) by the Spanish centuries ago where the local peoples were processing the luxurious fleece. Because the fleece is so fine and luxurious it has been used as currency by previous societies and in some cases clothing made from the fiber was only worn by royalty.
Alpacas were imported into the US beginning in 1980, and the US alpaca owners and breeders formed an association in 1987, today the organization is known as the Alpaca Owners Association (AOA). The AOA national shows are held in different State locations each year. Many affiliate Organizations are available across the US. The local affiliates offer local shows, education, and interest that can be shared. The Alpaca Registry Inc. (ARI) began registering alpacas in 1986 with 608 registered that year, at the last check there have been over 200,000 registered alpacas in the US. Members of the AOA and the ARI merged and both are known as the AOA. The current AOA office is in Nebraska. There approximately 10,000 alpaca farms across the United Stated today.